@Francis7 posted:Thanks everyone.
Follow up question based on what has been shared here so far.
If you were a mid major D1 talent level player and were considering a D2 because (1) academically it was probably a better school for you in terms of size and acceptance rate, (2) it was closer to home, (3) you probably would play sooner there as opposed to probably sitting as a freshman at D1 and (4) it was a D2 with a current 10 year history of being a very strong baseball program (with some graduates going on to play professionally), would you only go there if they offered you a share of one of their 9 scholarships (meaning that would be a sign that you wouldn't be on JV or just a player who never suits up)?
Absolutely NO, unless it was a full ride and even with that you might need your head checked. And even if full ride that doesn't mean a thing to your status in a 60+ player Fall roster tryout. Whole freshmen classes (ok 95% is whole enough) often get the opportunity to sit and watch every scrimmage, every intersquad, and every actual game from the stands. You can't compete for a spot as an 18/19 year old freshmen when there are 30 juco transfers brought in, several who are pushing age 24 as a junior. You can't compete if not allowed to compete. D2 is a roster cesspool because coaches cannot possibly deal with 60+ players in a practice and cannot spend time conducting a real competition between 60+ players. They will automatically default to the 24 year old juco transfers.
With 95% certainty you will end up redshirting or on a JV playing intersquads. Oh and yes, the varsity players not getting play time will have the opportunity to play the actual outside team JV games. Especially the backend pitchers who need innings. The JV squad regulars will get pinch hits and filler innings near the end.
I'll name you 2 places that have over 100 players by the way if you want.
Go D1 any level you can, a specific high academic D2/D3, Juco, or bust. The wild west roster rules of everyday D2 do not favor the young athlete coming in. Unless you just want to settle for playing ball in any shape or form. Then go in wide open and prepared not to be participating or competing to participate.